Behind the Image #001

A majestic portrait of Barsaloi against one of Africa’s most iconic backdrops. The swirling mud particles added dynamism, while the snow-capped Kilimanjaro lent a serene and timeless quality.

The Magnificent Tusker "Barsaloi" and Mount Kilimanjaro

Capturing breathtaking moments in wildlife photography often requires more than just skill—it’s a blend of patience, timing, and being in the right place. In the first edition of the Behind the Image series, I’m thrilled to share the story behind one of my favorite captures: the majestic tusker Barsaloi, mud-bathing against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Scene

Amboseli National Park offers one of the most iconic African landscapes—a vast, open savanna with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background. It’s a photographer’s dream. This particular shot was taken in Kimana Sanctuary, a crucial wildlife migratory corridor connecting Amboseli and Chyulu Hills National Parks. When we first spotted Barsaloi, one of Amboseli’s famed big tuskers, I already knew the shot I wanted but I had to wait for the perfect moment.

Covered in the dust of his travels, Barsaloi moved gracefully, slowly grazing on the long elephant grass. We trailed him for about an hour as he wandered from the nearby Tortilis trees toward a water puddle, surrounded by shorter grass that revealed his massive tusks. It wasn’t just about following him—it was about reading his body language, staying patient, and predicting his next move.

The Gear

For this shot, I used a Canon R5 paired with the Canon 100-500mm lens. This setup offers the perfect combination of resolution, flexibility, and the ability to capture fine details even from a distance. The 100-500mm lens allowed me to maintain a respectful distance from Barsaloi while still framing him perfectly with Kilimanjaro in the background.

Why This Gear Worked:

• Versatility: The zoom range provided the flexibility to adapt quickly as Barsaloi moved, enabling both tight portraits and wider environmental shots.

• Image Quality: The Canon R5’s high-resolution sensor captured every wrinkle on Barsaloi’s skin and the fine dust particles he flung.

• Stabilization: With wildlife constantly in motion, the in-lens and in-camera stabilisation ensured crisp shots.

The Wait

Wildlife photography isn’t about quick, lucky shots. It’s about waiting—sometimes for hours—to get the perfect moment. In this case, we anticipated Barsaloi’s next move. As he reached the water and began flinging mud over his body, the scene came alive with action.

Mud bathing is a natural behavior for elephants, helping them cool down and protect their skin. Barsaloi’s slow, deliberate movements created a sense of rhythm in the scene. The mud particles contrasted beautifully with the soft clouds encircling Kilimanjaro, making the moment magical.

Pro Tip:
Patience is everything. Spend time observing your subject and learning their patterns. Barsaloi’s behavior gave me clues about his direction, allowing me to be ready when the moment unfolded.

Composition and Challenges

I wanted to emphasize the grandeur of both Barsaloi and Kilimanjaro. By placing Barsaloi slightly off-center, I allowed the mountain to dominate the background without overwhelming the subject. The dry grass and dirt path naturally guided the viewer’s eye toward the tusker.

The Challenge:

• Subject’s Movements: Although the tusker moved slowly, framing each shot quickly and precisely was crucial to capturing peak moments.

Pro Tip:
Use leading lines in your composition. In this image, the path Barsaloi walked created a natural line that draws the eye toward him and Kilimanjaro in the background. Additionally, consider using a low-angle shot to magnify your subject’s presence. Shooting from below can make a subject like this tusker appear even more majestic and commanding, enhancing the sense of scale and impact in the frame

Photography Takeaways

• Patience and Observation: Follow your subject from a safe distance and let the story unfold naturally.

• Gear Choice Matters: Use equipment that complements your shooting environment and subject.

• Compose with Purpose: Frame your subject with intent, using natural elements to enhance the image.

Final Thoughts

Wildlife photography is a journey of connection—both with nature and the stories we seek to tell. Moments like these remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s about waiting, observing, and capturing a slice of life that might never be seen again.

So, here’s my advice for fellow photographers: don’t rush. Let nature guide you. Observe, wait, and trust that the moment you’re hoping for will come—and when it does, be ready.

Have questions about this shot or want to learn more about wildlife photography? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!